Quick Tips
- Hunt the high ground early and follow the snowline down
- Premium permit, allocate scouting and hunting time that this permit deserves
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Columbian Blacktail Deer | 90"-110" | 120"+ |
| Roosevelt Elk | 270"-300" | 300"+ |
On The Ground
This large, remote unit borders Canada, North Cascades National Park and Road 20 on the southern boundary, and encompasses both Mount Baker Wilderness and Mount Baker National Recreation Area. Washington State Department of Natural Resources, State Forest Board, and private timber companies manage the majority of the remaining land, along with small private land holdings, typically located around the western and southern borders. The WDFW Private Lands Access program has partnered with Sierra Pacific Industries to provide access to their properties within GMU 418.
The late season has proven to be a very different, much harder hunt.
Terrain
The iconic Mount Baker towers over the unit at 10,420-ft and is surrounded by Coleman, Roosevelt, Park, Boulder, and Deming Glacier. This is rugged backcountry with large portions of roadless areas taking in both Mount Baker and the eastern edge along the Picket Range. In just over eight-miles, elevation drops to a mere 800-ft at Baker Lake illustrating just how steep this country is. This unit is heavily forested, with clear cutting in various stages of regrowth and the notable Twin Sisters Mountain Range to the southwest of Mount Baker. This rocky ridgeline includes North Twin at 6,650-ft, South Twin at 6,965-ft, and Twin Sisters Mountain at 5,764-ft. Western and southern borders are much lower in elevation; these lowlands support an abundance of wildlife and is an important wintering area for waterfowl.
Roughly 847 square miles
71% public land
Elevations range from 200– 10,600 feet
Vegetation
The vegetation in this unit consists of old growth forest highlighted by majestic alpine mountains penetrating high above the treeline. On these rocky peaks an important high protein summer diet of grasses, forbs and lichen grow during this short season. Multiple clear cuts and a touch of agriculture, mainly fruits, cattle and potatoes, offer an excellent variety of dark timber and escape edges along with food sources during the winter.
Access
There is decent public access here. Throughout GMU, there is a decent series of unimproved roads, but watch for seasonal closures. There are large blocks of private; check in on and secure access early for best public access opportunities.
Sierra Pacific Industries have partnered with the WDFW offering public access for hunters
Watch for locked gates and road closures
Camping and Lodging
Primitive camping on the National Forest is allowed for the majority of the year, however, various fire bans and forest road closures may happen, so double check any restrictions or permits necessary prior to your trip. Sedro Woolley will be your best option as far as lodging and accommodations are concerned.
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
April 2025
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